Abstract:
In common with most software, DSpace was written with an English speaking audience in mind. It has subsequently been adopted by users for whom English is not a first language, and to store resources in non-English languages and scripts. This broadening of language base looks set to continue.
Localization is an inevitable consequence of this broadening user base, as new users adapt the software to support content in new languages, and customize the interface so that it can be used by non-English speakers.
Without internationalization, localization efforts are isolated, difficult and often have no standard approach. In order to expedite the global distribution of DSpace, it is important to look at ways of unifying and facilitating localization efforts through internationalization.
This article will explain some approaches to internationalization and localization, and highlight some of the difficulties and complexities involved. It will describe the current capabilities of DSpace software with regard to internationalization and localization, and look ahead at how, and when, these capabilities might be enhanced.
